Dog Health Questions: My dog is scared of my husband! Help!?

My husband and I got a french bulldog about two months ago. He is a fairly meek dog, but very friendly and content. Such a sweetie! Not quite 2 years old. At first he was the perfect dog. Never misbehaved! He is still very well behaved but after a few weeks he began having accidents once a week or so. I grew up around dogs my whole life, but my husband had never been allowed to have one...so he is rather unfamiliar with training. When he discovered an accident, he would drag him by his collar to the accident, point and firmly say "No. This is bad!" Occasionally he would smack his snout, but nothing that would hurt him. I tried to explain that I felt this was harsh, but sometimes I can be a pushover. My husband said he was only trying to get the point across. This happened maybe 4 or 5 times and de has not had an accident since. It still scared our dog to the point that he would be shaking when we came home (at the time we were not crate training him but shutting him off in our very small kitchen) even if he had not had an accident. Just with training in general he would just smack him instead of saying "No!". If he got up on our bed, he would say no as he pushed him off. I explained that this bothered me, and so he stopped. He has gotten better with having patience training our dog, but even now sometimes if my husband plays rough with him he will get spooked, come to me hunkered down and shaking. I think my husband feels bad because it's obvious the dog favors me. He has since before any of this happened.

Anyways...does anyone have any suggestions?? I recently ordered some books about dog training and I hope to share some ideas about positive reinforcement with my husband. He is getting better, but how do I help rebuild our dog's trust in him?? I want them to have a good relationship.

Sorry this is so long, but I felt I needed to explain the situation as best I could.

Dog Training Devices - How Using One Can Help Correct Stubborn Dog Training Problems

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Hi

You are on the right track. Hopefully your husband will read the books as well and learn something. Frenchies do need strong leadership, as they can be stubborn. This is not to be confused with forcefull submission. Crate training can be helpful, but should never be used for punishment. If he starts to have an accident in the house, just take him outside, and don't make a big deal out of it. Just lots of praise, when he does good. The same would be true of your kitchen. It should be a safe haven. You can crate him when unsupervised, or keep him on leash next to you. If you have a fenced yard, a doggie door works wonderful.

Your husband needs to be very involved in walks, playing with him, and training, provided you both agree, and stick to the rules. For now, stop the rough housing, as trust is rebuilt.

Frenchies are a wonderful breed, particularily when everyone understands the rules. If you have other questions about Frenchies, feel free to send me an e-mail. I have 5 Frenchies.

Edit: I recommend halters for walks, as opposed to collars. The halters do not put pressure on the Trachea, and Frenchies have a shorter and smaller trachea.

Best of luck,
Rebel

Dog Training Advice - What Or Who Do I Believe?

• its your husband not the dog


• Your husband, by bullying this dog, has probably ruined any chance he ever had of the dog trusting him. The dog is clearly afraid of him and it's no wonder. He's treated this dog very badly.
  
  Hitting the dog, dragging him around by the collar and pushing him off the bed is cruel. Of course he hurt the dog and has terrified the poor little thing. Hands should only ever be put on a dog in kindness.
  
  Maybe he could book into a positive reinforcement obedience training class. He sure needs to learn how to treat animals..but I think this little dog will always be wary of him and afraid of him.


• Amen to everything that is being said on here.
  
  Just to add a little to all the good things already being said, I will tell you a true story. I have a wonderful Lab, he is now 11 years old. When he was a puppy we were traveling in the car and he got out of control and I reached back and smacked him while trying to get him to stay down (I know that is BAD and it hasn't happened since). I was wearing pink gloves at the time....and I still have those pink gloves. To this day my Lab will walk away from me if I am wearing those gloves. Luckily he sees the gloves as what hurt him, and not me. He is my baby and it would break my heart if he was afraid of me. Your puppy may always fear your husband just as my Lab has always feared those gloves....even after I have held him and loved him with those gloves on, he still avoids them.
  
  Good luck.


• your husband has terrorised the dog - its a combination of the fact he smacked the dog and his timing was out so the dog never understood what the smack was for in the first place.
  
  He should not be dragging the dog, smacking it etc. That is unnecessary in dog training. Yes there is a time for corrections but if the dog is unsure of what to do you SHOW it, TEACH it, PROOF it then TEST it.
  
  Positive reinforcement only training is the the way to go either. I would recommend Cesar Milans books about leadership. Meanwhile your husband has to try to build trust again with the dog. Ignore the dog when it becomes frightened and you - dont coddle it. If it is frightened for no reason (if he yells/smacks that is different) then you ignore the dog too. He will learn there is nothing to worry about. Having your husband do some basic obedience exercises and praising the dog will help as well.


• your husband needs to go to an obedience class with the dog - his methods are barbaric and dont work
  At class he'll learn how to communicate with the dog.
  
  after hitting the dog its gonna take a long time to repair the damage
  rough play isnt a good idea with any dog


• i agree your husbands methods are barbaric, but there is a couple things i would try..
  
  1) i would take your husbands cologne, or some kind of scent and spray it on one of his old shirts or a new toy for the dog, and let the dog get use to him again
  
  2) i would also have your husband walk him by himself and sorta of make your dog watch, as your husband feeds him,
  
  try and make your husband your dogs other master, the other alpha male kind of deal


• The dog is frightened of your husband because your husband has been abusing him. Get him to stop abusing the dog, and act like the animal actually belongs in the house and things may gradually change.
  
  The dog's soiling the house were normal and to be expected when a dog first moves to a new home: he doesn't know your schedule, so he doesn't know how long he has to hold it. He stopped doing it because he figured out what you wanted.
  
  Pushing the dog off the bed constitutes abuse: Frenchies aren't that athletic and he could be seriously hurt, unless you sleep on a futon on the floor.
  
  If your husband continues his abuse of the dog, there will come a time in the near future when the dog will start urinating whenever your husband raises his voice. This is called submissive urination and it is VERY hard to train away. Urge your husband to modify his behavior now.
  
  Good luck.


• Do you know how they say that improperly potty training a baby can cause many other issues down the road? Same with this dog. The poor thing!
  
  Please, your husband is doing more harm than good.
  
  The dog needs positive reinfocement. Your husband is ruining this dog. Keep your husband away from the dog until he reads the books or starts taking the dog to training classes. The classes are for the owner as much as the dog.

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Dog Health Questions: What kind of dog should we adopt?

Me and my fiance are adopting two dogs from the pound this summer. They have to be young because the dog training college we are going to requires that you being your own dog. I already have my heart set on a rottweiler and our local pound always has plenty so that's what I'll be adopting. My fiance didn't really care what breed he got because he loves all dogs he just wanted a bigger breed. Then he started looking and went nuts over treeing walker coon hounds and bloodhounds...But we have an 11 year old siberian husky and he has this soft spot for huskies (pet finder.com always has plenty huskies too) So we can't decide. I mean all breeds would be great but which would you get...the siberian, the treeing walker, or the bloodhound.
Personally I love to get two siberians but I know I'd regret it if I didn't get a rottweiler.

The Benefits Of Positive Dog Training

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First thing, puppies and young dogs have the greatest chance of being adopted from the pound. Older dogs have the best chance of being killed. All breeds don't really begin to mellow until they are about 5 years old. On the other hand, any 11 year old dog may find it difficult to adjust to a new one. I've found that older dogs will nurture a puppy, but may oppose an adult. I love Rottweilers and had a super-super Rotty-Great Dane mix. However, an adult Rottweiler may not adjust well to another adult male dog. I recommend bringing a friend's adult dog to your home to find out how your Husky responds. Once you have adopted a dog -- old or young -- it's painful to have to take them back if things don't work out. Good luck.

Free Dog Training Tips

• A Rottweiler may not be the best idea. They are not great with other dogs,but the pound will likely check the dogs temperament. If you live where it is very cold,a husky or other heavily furred dog is a good idea. If not,a husky and bloodhound are equally good dogs. Bloodhounds are very active dogs,but do love to follow scents.Another husky may be easier for your husky to accept. Also,keep in mind the breed you want may not be at the pound.


• try a labrador retriever or get the siberian and rottweiler


• Hi! Visit the website below to check and find out which breed matches your criteria.
  
  http://ooteat.notlong.com
  
  Enjoy searching!
  
  Thank you.


• bloodhounds are good for hunting and sniffing things
  huskys are athletic so yea i would like a husky


• Well, I have a pure German Shepard and he's REALLY cute and loving and BIG.

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Dog Health Questions: How much to charge for dog trianing?

Im 13 and I help teach a free dog training class at my park with a lady who used to show in obedience and conformation. In the class there is a chow chow german shepherd mix named Bear. The dog needs some experienced training and i was thinking about asking his owner if she would like to let me work with him over weekends. This means he stays overnight or she drops off/picks hims up saturday and sunday. I do show in obedience and have trained dogs for other people for free, but i would like to start charging a fee. He will be taught basics sit, down, stay, come, heel, and finish, And not to pull on the leash, no lunging at strangers, no begging, no jumping, and attention training. Bear is a very energetic and strong headed dog. He needs a lot of work, but will be no challenge for me. How much would you pay me if you were Bears owner?

4 Tips To Be Succesful In Dog Training Biting

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Since your young I wouldn't pay you but about 10 bucks an hour. No matter if you show or train other dogs. Sorry but you are way to young and I wouldn't pay much for someone of your age to train my dog. When I've paid for dog training before I try and make sure the person has many years experience and has had experience with many dog breeds. Sorry I just wouldn't pay much, but you seem to be on your way to be a good trainer. Goodluck. =)

Dog Training Techniques - The Dog Whispering Technique Explained

• ummmm i would be willing to pay $10 an hour, but since you are offering for the dog to stay all day, possibly over night, I would charge maybe $50 a day, so over the week end that would be $100 and I would ask the owner to bring food and toys and his fav treat, so you dont have to go buy it.


• Since you're only 13, I don't think you should charge very much. You aren't a professional dog trainer yet. How long would you be working with him? I spent $150 for a 6-week course, and that was one hour a week for 6 weeks. That seems to be the average price in my area.
  
  But since you're young, I don't think you'd be able to get that much money. I'd aim for more like $20 per session. Its reasonable and if you work with him a lot it'll add up.

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Dog Health Questions: Does my dog listen to me because im his friend and feed him, or is that im assertive and a good handler?

Im 14, and for our first dog, we bought a border collie from a rescue centre. (not the best decision when we've never had a dog before.)

Sammy is roughly 4 years old, and we think he may have been abused or neglected in his 3 previous homes, as he is scared or children and some dogs, a trainer told us he isn't an evil dog, but uses nervous aggression in order to protect himself against strangers.

He is very attached to my mum, he follows her everywhere, and usually only wants us when we give him food or when my mum isnt available.

I used to be terrified of dogs, but taking on horse riding 5 years ago, i had to deal with 4 german shepherds around us at the stables. This helped me, but when we had sammy, i totally overcame my fear, and i want to have many dogs when i am older, I dont find any dog scary now, not even rottwielers or pitbulls, they just get a bad reputation, its not the dog, its the handler .

Heres the question. Me and sammy are best buds now, im the one that has the time for him. So i train him, teach him tricks and so on. Now I am older and alot stronger, my mum allows me to take sammy on walks alone, if he is wearing the halti. He walks with me perfect, sitting at every road and ignores most activity on the streets.

He gets plenty of exercise. Because I love running, i take him for a run more than a walk. Theres only the occasional dog he has a confrontation with (usually white retrievers, that look like sheep. Or mabye younger males. He transforms, you can tell he hates them, but its not all his fault, other dogs have triggered off the fight too). But even when in a fight, i can control him and tell him whos boss.

My mum tells me that she is nervous at holding his lead in one hand and doesnt feel incontrol, like I do, im more confident. she says i definately handle him better.

I say its because i have the time. Because mum, dad and my sis are usually at work or doing things around the house. I pay attention to dog training, i love kate and gin, ive met them and talked to kate about sammy because he can do some doggy dancing. I also find that cesar milan, the dog whisperer, program very helpful, and i do everything he says.

I just wonder if sammy listens to me because he sees me as pack leader, fun but assertive. or is it because im the one with the treats. Id like to think it was because he sees me as leader, but he is so attached to my mum i dont know.

Can anyone give me a good opinion?

Thanks. Amy x

Dog Training With a Halti or General Leader Collar

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I think he listens to you because of his last homes he wasn't treated properly. You've taken care of him in a friendly way that he deserves for the first time and he appreciates it. You've earned his trust. I don't think he just does it for the treats. I think he loves your whole family because of this fresh new start you've given him. If you really want to know then don't give him treats anymore. Well actually do this:
What you usually give him treats for like for an example maybe sit, if he has learned it well then stop giving him treats for it. Continue giving treats to him for the new stuff but for the stuff he has learned and done well just stop. And be extra friendly during this time period because after his experience of dog abuse or treated unfairly he might take this as a sign that you don't care for him and that later on you'll repeat what his former owners have done (treating him unfairly). So if you don't give him a treat just pet him on the head or say good boy and just give nice confortable rubs. Also, when you are teaching him new stuff you should give him a half a treat like break the treat in half (unless if you've done the old stuff and you didn't give him a treat and he's okay with it then you can choose to just not give him a treat at all and see how he reacts! remember to be friendly! giv erubs and pats and "good dog"'s occasionally even if he didn't do anything.)

Basic Dog Training Commands

• I believe it is because of all of it. You feed him, which makes him like you, and you play with him, exercise him, train him, etc. So that makes him love you. Overall, your dog trusts you since you are always around making his life great. I believe you are a good handler as well.


• Actually, it's both! Being his pack leader gives him confidence in you & your decisions. Also dogs love to please, and you're recognized as the one who challenges and exercises him, which is what they need. Keep up the good work!

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Dog Health Questions: Is it possible to be a "part-time" dog trainer?

Okay, well I am an 18 year old college student. I am going for Psychology. I want to get into Forensics or something in the school system. Anyway, I love dogs. I have a 5 month old pug, and he's just amazing. People say college and a dog is hard, but I find it no harder with him. If anything, he makes it easier. Anyway, I've found the time to train him and he is wonderful. At 5 months he is VERY well trained. Of course there's more to be done, but he is doing great for his age. Part of me wants to get into dog training. I love the feeling of helping a dog and their owners. (I trained my roomates' dog, too.) I feel like you can train ANY dog, and that makes a happy dog and happy owner. My question is, could there be ANY way of doing dog training on the side? Like my main career be something with Psychology, then on the side I do dog training? I know it would take a lot of work and studying, but I'm up to it. Any thoughts are appreciated. Please no rude comments.

Dog Training Videos - A Great Way to Learn How to Obedience Train Your Dog

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I work full time and teach classes twice a week. I attend seminar and other events to help me be a better instructor, as well as attending classes and competing in obedience with my own dogs.

Training is not a part time gig, even though I actually only TEACH twice a week for 3-4 hours total, I spend about 18-24 hours a week trying to make myself a BETTER instructor. Be careful about thinking you can train ANY dog - while dogs CAN be trained, some dogs can simply not be 'wired right' and while their people think they can 'fix' the dog with training - the trainer must sometimes be the voice of reason and suggest other alternatives - not ALL dogs are meant to be here on earth - for whatever reason they are not safe.

Between full time work, teaching part time and classes/competing with my own dogs, it is VERY easy to get run down, VERY quickly. Sunday evenings or Monday mornings are my times to 'do what *I* want without the dogs' - which often means a trip to the chiropractor!

Beginner Dog Training Classes

• Of course there would be. Keep in mind if you go into Psychology, you can also do that part time as well. Many psychologists work for themselves so they can set their own hours. If they're both something you want to do, look into what you need to do to become a professional trainer.
  
  And for college and having a dog, I don't think it's hard either. I currently work full time, take 14 credit hours and have a puppy (which I have plenty of time for). It makes life a little more enjoyable and teaches you how to be organized and how to prioritize.


• I'm a successful part time dog trainer. You need some training first, you can't just become a trainer without school first.
  I'm certified through Animal Behavior College. It is a year course which is partially online and partially hands on. You can google them for more information.
  
  Either no one will hire you because you don't have any experience, or you'll mess up someones dog if you don't know what you're doing.
  Also consider the liability involved with dogs. You may need insurance if someone tries to sue you!


• by all means, yes! i work a ''regular" job but still do training on the side. I take the dogs, though, and have them for a month at a time. if you aren't set up for this it may be harder scheduling but still possible. good luck!
  p.s., i have no ''DEGREE" in dog training, word of mouth is my best tool. and any dog can be trained, just to different degrees. and the only additional insurance i carry is an umbrella policy, which costs $20/month for a million bucks.
  also, YOU DECIDE which dogs you want to train. you do not have to accept EVERY DOG for training, so the 120 lb aggressive dog quip is not an issue....


• First, no offense, but training a couple of friends' dogs doesn't mean you can train ANY dog. When's the last time you were faced with a 120lb dog with serious aggression issues that couldn't even be outdoors without a muzzle on and drags it's owner down the street? How precisely would you handle that? What about a rescue that was terrified of absolutely everything? Or a hyper-active less than intelligent puppy? You really need to take some classes and become certified as a professional trainer if you want to even think about getting into this field, part time or full time. A lot of people would be very upset if they tried to hire you only to find out that your 'experience' consisted of training a few dogs to what you believe is an appropriate level. The trainer I use is certified by AKC, including the Good Citizenship test, and has taken courses in Protection training, Agility, Obedience, and more. I trust her, but I would never use someone without such training- even the Petsmart trainers receive very little education about what they're doing.
  
  As far as the actual time constrictions, that really depends on your schedule. I don't see any particular reason why you could train dogs on the side, provided you had the time to do everything else you needed to and still found extra time for training sessions. But you might find it difficult to do all the training required for you to even be worthwhile as a trainer while you're also taking college classes. That's entirely up to you though.

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Dog Health Questions: How can I train my Pit Bull to be more friendly to other animals and people?

I have a 1 year old girl red nose pit and one of her pups both of them bark and act crazy if i try to take them take them for walks or if the neighbors dogs or people walk by. they both are very spoiled. I love them to death! Once they get to know like friends for example they r the sweetest dogs but if they dont know u they act mean. They have never bit anyone or anything like that. But i know they scare poeple and other animals when they act like that. I cant afford dog training classes for them right now. And, it upsets me when i met other full blooded pits and they are so freindly but, mine aren't to new people and animals. Please give me somes tips on training them be nicer to others.

Dog Training Leads And How To Start Dog Training Products Business?

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Sounds like she wasn't socialized with other dogs and humans enough as a puppy. Which of course now is a problem. Try taking her out in dog parks and attempt to socialize her there. All the luck to ya!

Dog Training - The Reward Way

• They need far more exercise and more socialization around other dogs and people.


• I have a poodle and he gets really agressive (who would have thought), and i calm him down by making him sit and slowly move my hand towards his nose to pet him. If he jumps or fidgets to make me hurry up, i start over. This teaches him to be patient and calm. Also, I don't play aggresive games with him as much. Games like tug-o-war, or razzle. Those games encouroage aggressivness. Barking is more difficult. For my dog(who happens to bark at everything that moves), when i have a visitor come over i say "oh, it's just alex! we like alex!" i try to sound high so he knows i am not scared or thretened. than i interact with my visitor by shaking hands, talking and hugging them wich means to the dog that this person is a friend to his owner. I know i am a terrible speller(i am only thirteen, it's not like im genious) one more thing, i would NEVER put a muzzle on your dog because that lower's their self esteem and makes them want to show how "manly" they are when you take it off by being agressive


• I am sorry, I am not a dog trainer or a dog behavioralist, so I can't help you. I just wanted to tell you that it is very important that you save up your money to get them some help. I own a pit bull, so I know that they are naturally sweet dogs. But when they become aggressive they become dangerous, because they are VERY strong dogs. I just wanted to make sure you don't wait on this, I don't want anything bad to happen. If they get away from you on accident they could cause harm. Good Luck, I hope you can get some help for your dogs!!
  
  I just want to add that my dog does not have a problem with aggression, but when we walked she used to be interested in playing with other dog's that passed by. I didn't like it, so I tried to correct it. I would follow the other posters Rena M's advice. I put a choke collar on her show dog style, high up on her neck. You will want to talk to a professional on how to properly place a choke collar. The first step was teaching her to heal. You have to be the pack leader. When you walk, walk confidently, look straight ahead, and know where you are going. When my dog got a step ahead of me, I gently but firmly jerked the leash and told her 'heal.' She would immediately return to my side. It took a little while, but it worked. THen, when we would pass by a dog, if she went toward the dog, again I would gently jerk the leash, and say 'heal.' During this whole time I remained confident and Knew where I was going. She followed. Now she just ignores other dogs when we pass. I also think reading Cesar Millan's book and professional help would help you a LOT! Good Luck!!!


• pits usually attack when theres two of them attacking .having one is best
  walk them around people.and speak to the people In a nice voice


• Make them walk on a heel accomplished by pulling up on a lead when they pull. Put a British slip lead on them dog show style. You have much more control over them.
  
  Sit them down with their rear facing the person/animal at which they barked. Then bring them to the people not them bringing you.


• you should get a training specializing in aggressiveness. if it persists,you should think about it from there but the first step is to get a trainer


• "They have never bit anyone or anything like that."
  
  Just give it time.
  
  I've never heard of a child being mauled by a Dalmatian or Labrador. Pit Bulls were bread to be viscous and to attack other animals. That's a fact!That's what that are good at.
  Your best bet is to keep them away from other animals and keep any children under close supervision.


• I don't really know what to tell you, they are crazy dogs. I've been around a lot of dogs in my life, Akita's Dobermans, Rottweilers, Labs,Great Danes, German Shepard's and Pit Bulls. The Pits have got to be the worst to work with. I would suggest you try to get a pro, I know you said money was tight, but I think it's best. Do you have liability insurance for them? Better to protect your own ***. I'm sorry but these are almost like the half wolves in my opinion. Best of luck.


• maybe u need cesar milan the dog whisper he is a miracle worker!!! but yeah try to socialize them withnon agressive dogs. if u dont socialize then they will never learn how to be nice and can build up all of this energy and attack. so try to prevent that and socialize. GOOD LUCK I HOPE UR PROBLEM IS RESOLVED- :)


• you won't find the answer here .. Pits are wonderfull dogs but they were bred for fighting even if yours weren't its in there nature . They can be gentle docile dogs but before they can be you need to know how to handle them and that won't happen in a Q and A web site .
  you have to learn to be the dominate one in your house they must respect you and obey you , there is nothing wrong with spoiling a pet but what is really going on is they learn that they can manipulate you by waggin a tail or sitting for you .. now put 2 dogs together and they turn into what they were before humans thought there so cute I want one .. they turn into pack animals and pack animals hunt and kill .. I'm not saying your dogs would do this but please don't take any chances , Pits already have a bad rap and it's mostly because of their owners go to the Link below and check some info there maybe you will find good info
  
  oh and by the way SILLY read some facts ...Pitt Bulls are known by many different names. Since the breed's conception, they have been known as: Bull and Terrier, Half-and-Half, Brindle Bull Dog, Pit Dog, Pit Bull, Yankee Terrier, American Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier..In the early part of the 19th century, the Bulldog was bred in England for the purpose of bull baiting. Bull baiting is a sport in which a tethered bull, brought to market for slaughter, would be attacked by bulldogs. The supposed purpose of the bull baiting was to help tenderize the meat of the bull prior to slaughter. Every class of person from commoners to royalty enjoyed this sport until mass public outcry finally forced Parliament to take a stand and ban the practice of bull baiting in 1835.
  With bull baiting banned, dog breeders turned their attention to dog fighting. These dogs were preferred because of their fierceness, courage, and tenacity. The dog breeders began with the Bull Dog, mixed in some terrier blood for gameness, and produced the Bull and Terrier, a dog that met all of their expectations. The Bull and Terrier was bred for aggression to other dogs, unrelenting bravery, a high pain threshold, a superior blood clotting ability to aid him when wounded, a willingness to fight to the end, and an unmatched affection for people. Dogfights were also very brutal on the dog as they sometimes were allowed to go until death.
  American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier are wonderful family dogs, capable of anything their owner's demand of them.
  " Neglect and bad training" has been a cause for severe damage to the reputation of the breed and has resulted in the deaths and mutilations of many people. There is a growing movement around the world to improve the ownership of these dogs and to educate people as to the true value these creatures hold as companions to people.
  
  NOW YOU HAVE THE FACTS ......
  
  I have many friends with Pit's and it takes patience , knolledge , and understanding of this breed and dog's in general to have a good SAFE pet .
  Yes they are loyal to the hilt but also very protective and aside from everything else they are an animal and when all else fails that animal will fall back on its basic instinct and that is why YOU have to learn to be in charge . Then and only then can you teach them the things they need to know to be happy social pets .


• you should try having a friend with a large/medium sized dogs become acquanted with urs.....usually with one or more good dog friends the dogs will begin to be more friendly around new dogs/people.


• OKAY FOR ALL THOSE IGNORANT PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO HATE PIT BULLS and DON;T HAVE THEIR FACTS STRAIGHT....
  
  Pit Bulls are NOT naturally aggressive. They are bred to be human pleasers. Though they are strong it doesn't make them mean. Labs, Dalmations, Poodles etc HAVE mauled, attacked and bitten people MORE than Pit bulls and the like that are grouped in and mistaken for the breed.
  
  The first woman to receive a face transplant had to get her ENTIRE face replaced because her LABRADOR RETRIEVER (black) ate her face! NOT a pit, not a pressa canario, not mastiff - A LAB!!!
  
  .....You need to step up in your role as Alpha in your pack. Once you receive their respect they will listen to you and take direction to you. There are a lot of great ideas here and you need to listen and take notes. Use heel, sit, and downs. Patience and Consistancy. you NEED to get lessons. Save your money, or find homes that can afford these dogs BECAUSE pit bulls or lab it may get worse because w/o proper disciple you are encouraging the behavior. You don't need to beat, spank or flick your dog.
  
  Talk to some trainers for free, they will give you advice, they may even demonstrate for you FOR FREE. It never hurts to ask.
  
  Good Luck


• Hi there.
  I recently got one of my dogs a barking collar. It worked in a week! They run about $100-$150, but it's so worth it. People say that its a form of abuse, but I just think that people will be nicer to my pet, and she'll get more positive attention that way. Also, it sounds like your dogs may need to be really socialized. Bring them to a dog park or whatever it takes. You could also (instead of a barking collar) buy a shock collar (sounds so mean, but its about the same as a shock from a stove...I can handle that, we DID actually try it out before subjecting our pets). With the shock collar you'd be able to take your dog to an off leash park. If she did bite, be mean or play rough...give her a shock with the remote. Its classic operant conditioning! Famous people get away with doing it, so can you! I have a friend with a pit, and she's really nice!


• You need to find the funds for the trainer...much better to find funds than to have them hurt someone...
  You say that you have a 1 year old and a pup? Seems too young for her to have breed and if the 2 of them are together and this is happening it could very well be that Mom is acting out of protection for the pup...and that the pup is acting the way mom is...(learning by example)
  Try taking them for seperate walks...DO not speak to her in a "calming" voice when she is acting badly...To us humans we try to calm with our voice when someone is "upset..."shhh it's OK...." spoken sweetly..To a Dog? this is a reward for her bad action...YOU must use a stern voice and LOW...and say "pup..NO! BAD...." when she acts correctly? That is when you use the sweet voice as a reward...


• Bring them out,mix around with other dogs


• Maybe your dog is NOT a well-behaved dog.But whatever your reasons are,It is NOT your dog' fault.In fact,dogs are very very clever.They just need to be trained correctly.But, dog training method could not be expressed clearly just by single sentence.It requires some basic professional knowledges.Well, to gain those knowledges is not that difficult.SO you do NOT need those professional dog trainer and you do NOT need some 12–week dog obedience training plan where you do almost the same thing each week.Yourself can also become an excellent dog trainer in several hours.So If you want to learn what it really takes to transform your dog's behavior problems,understand and communicate with your dog now,you can visit the site listed below.It provide you with the most popular and easiest dog training Guide.There is the easiest method to make your dog to listen to you in the shortest period of time.
  
  Here: http://www.dogstraining.info
  
  GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR DOG!!!

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training?????

is it possible to train dogs even if they r older than 2-3 yrs.???

Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Yes, there was a Dalmatian who used to stay with me when his mum was on holiday. At eleven years of age, I taught him to do heel work to music moves and when he was twelve I taught him how to pee into a soup ladle.

Look up clicker training on the Internet and you will be amazed at how you can use this for training.

Overview of Dog Training

• Absolutely. You can train any dog with enough patience and love. The old saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is really an old wive's tale. Good luck!


• yes..dogs are very wise. :)


• indeed it is. Doing it with a JRT mix that's about 3 and he's picked up a lot already.


• It will probably be a little harder since they have their old habits that you'll need to change, but with enough patience and consistence it can be done!


• you know they can.dont belive that every1 say that dogs just train when they r so little my dog is 4 years old but he underestands every thing


• Sure it's possible. You just need to be firm and consistent so the dog knows what you expect. Dogs are eager to please, so when they know what you want them to do, they're happy to comply.

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Dog Health Questions: Have you ever known a dog?

That responded well to negative reinforcement?

I ask because lately dog training has been all about positive reinforcement. What do you think?

Search and Resuce Dog Training, Learning to Save Lives

Recommended Answer:
Positive reinforcement is a relatively new method of dog training. It wasn't very long ago that the most used training method was the rolled up newspaper. Before anyone ever heard of positive reinforcement, there were many very well trained dogs, who earned obedience titles, and excelled at working for their humans.

Dog Training Technique - Correcting Dog Behavior

• Nope, my dog never has. I trained him that way once and he didn't learn anything at all.
  
  However, that's my dog. All dogs are different. While I don't recommend negative reinforcement, it may work for some people.


• I'm sure that there are dogs out there that do respond to negative reinforcement...They are the submissive ones who will do anything to please. And I feel that it doesn't actually work--It just makes them fear you.


• you mean, like hitting a dog?
  they only time i'd ever hit a dog is if it was biting someone.
  
  other than that i couldnt tell you. sorry :[


• no living thing responds well to negative reinforcement. discipline yes but not negative reinforcement.


• Many dogs receive some training in aversion therapy, which maybe likened to negative reinforcement. Such as having a motion detection sound alarm go off if the dog tries to get into the trash. Or, even knowing that their owner will yell loudly at them if they start to mess in the house. So, in that way, it works and almost everyone uses that method to an extent.


• nope.
  all the dogs I know only responded to positive reinforcement.
  but you never know, maybe only certain dogs respond to negatives.


• I have not seen a dog respond well to neg. reinforcement. Dogs are always happier when they get lots of love and attention. Maybe treat :) I know our dogs have always loved getting a head-scratch, or a nice treat!! I think positive reinforcement is the best way to go. That way, a dog understands what he is supposed to do. If a dog gets neg. reinforcement they don't understand what is being asked of them


• Yes. My 5.5 month old Pit. It's called Negative Punishment not reinforcement. It is withholding treats and praise when the dog is not doing what you are trying to train it to do.
  
  Positive Reinforcement is using treats and praise when the dog does it correctly. The opposite of that is Negative Punishment.
  
  It works very well. And I learned this from Pit Bull Training Handbook by Jason Mann.


• ROTFLMAO...only every single one on the face of the planet!Funny............billions of humans have trained hundreds of billions of dogs for TENS of thousands of years but the ARs have thoroughly brainwashed the average boobs that they CAN'T in less than a decade...amazing what MEDIA BLITZ can do,eh?


• All dogs respond to negative reinforcement. Conversely all dogs respond to positive reinforcement. The degree to which they respond depends on the dog and excellent trainers are going to know how each is utilized.


• Well that depends what you mean. Negative reinforcement is actually reinforcing a behavior by removing something. While positive reinforcement is reinforcing a behvaior by adding something. For example if I did an experiment where I gave a rat a small electric shock every time he stepped on a certain square, that is technically positive reinforcement. But you probably mean by negative reinforcement, discouraging a behavior with a negative stimulus. To assume all dogs will respond to positive reinforcement (the way you mean, not the technical definition) is a mistake. If you have a highly dominant high energy dog and you only use praise to get him to listen to you, he isn't going to. Some dogs need to be taught that they need to respect you, whether it be by touch (not hitting, just simple touch) or by claiming something like space with your body language. I'm sure there are a lot of people who think dogs can only be trained with positive reinforcement, and while most of them can, there are some who simply need more than praise and treats. Probably more than you realize. Personally, I think people who believe dogs can only be trained with positive reinforcement are new to the game. I certainly prefer to use positive reinforcement when I can, but sometimes it is not an option. I work at a doggy day care and if I fight breaks out, you can't just say good dog and hand out treats. It doesn't work that way.


• Depends.....I believe you should never hit a dog.
  
  But my dogs it seems need a balance between positive and negative
  
  Negative meaning.....being scolded and put in the crate.
  
  And positive meaning good dog and treats.
  
  It takes a balance but my dogs have never really been much trouble at all anywayWe did strictly positive like the trainer said and they ended up worse behaved than any dog we've ever had, infact they learned to walk all over us


• Quick question....how do you train using negative re-enforcement and what behaviours do you train?I cant think of anything at all....
  
  are you getting negative re-enforcement and punishment mixed up>???im so very confused

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Dog Health Questions: Does this dog training company look good to you?

I'll be meeting up with a trainer from there on Friday for helping with Sasha's fear aggression and Obedience with Chopper. I know they specialize in using e-collars, but I'm open to that. I'll see how I like the training on Friday, but just by glancing through their website, what do you think, and why?

http://dogonittraining.com/

Thank you very much!

Dog Training Made Easy - Find Out How

Recommended Answer:
I'm starring this for any of the trainers on my contact list.

At first glance it looks okay to me. I mean I'm sure anyone can find something wrong with any training program.
But the fact that you are trying to get your dogs professional training is good enough for me!

Puppy and Dog Training

• I hope you will reconsider correction based training for your dogs, especially your fear aggressive dog Sasha.Trainers that use corrections, or punishments such as shock collars, prongs, choke chains and even leash jerking dogs to stop behaviors are outdated and fail to recognize these techniques can make fearful dogs more anxious and fearful. They may work temporarily by intimidating your dog and/or hurting your dog to subdue behaviors, but can and often make fearful dogs worse.
  I don't know what your dog is fearful of, lets assume Sasha is fearful of seeing other dogs. Forcing your dog to get too close to another dog and then shocking your dog when it reacts by lunging or snarling, barking does nothing to change your dogs mind about seeing other dogs. It can make it worse because now the dogs is being hurt or intimidated when it see's another dog. Understand if your dog is reactive to seeing other dogs, it is just trying to get this scary dog away from it. Introducing pain and intimidation won't change your dogs opinion of what scares it.
  If you can find trainers who use positive reinforcement methods, they will show you methods to change your dogs mind about what it now finds scary. They may pair high value food treats with seeing another dog, at a distance that your dog is not yet reactive, thereby forming an association between the food treat and the other dog. Dog trainers call this a conditioned emotional response. Your dog likes chicken, its getting chicken when it see's another dog, your dog starts to slowly form an association between the chicken coming out whenever it see's another dog. Your dog begins to like to see other dogs. This is a kinder, more respectful way of training and it also strengthens the bond you have with your dogs. Basic obedience is also easily taught using positive methods. I hope you will reconsider.
  Amy

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training in Texas?

I need help! I have a 3 year old fixed male shih tzu who is having behavioral problems (going to the bathroom in the house.) He has always pooped occasionally in the house, but now it's a daily thing and he has started to potty as well. This morning I walked him around the complex 2 different times (within 20 minutes of each other) and he sniffed every tree and rock but didn't hike or anything. After walking back in the door I was frustrated and yelled "Why can't you pee???!" at the ceiling and he squatted and peed on the floor.

I am looking for some cheap potty/behavioral training in the Austin, TX area because my funds are kind of tight at the moment (moving into a new place in a month and everything is going to deposits and such.)

I have contemplated finding him another home because I do work long hours and currently it's just me and him (in a month I will have a roommate who can play with him and such while I'm gone.) I'm just not sure if I will be able to hand him over to someone else, or if he'd be able to handle leaving me because the breed is known to attach themselves to one person and if that person leaves then they will go into a depression. It sounds silly but it happened to my first shih tzu when I moved out of state for 2 years and my mom kept him for me.

I have no idea what to do or where to go since I am new to Austin. If anyone knows anything that can help that I would greatly appreciate it!

Dog Training Supplies - Dog Collars

Recommended Answer:
From what you say, this is a changed behaviour, he occasionally used to poop indoors, but now it has changed so that it happens daily and it has changed so that he both poop and pees. But a dog doesn't change behaviour like that, for no reason.
Since you're new to Austin, is it possible that the move and/or some other changes maybe have made him feel stressed?
If he is alone more now than before, when you're with him, how much do you activate him?

There could also be other reasons, but to use those as an example, if his changed behaviour comes from being stressed or needing more activation, to focus on housebreaking will not solve the problem, because to do that, you need to solve what causes the problem.In general, if the brain is tired, the dog is usually more contented, so for example when you go for a walk, change direction a little now and then, do a sit and stay, let him work to find some treats that you've "accidentally" dropped and/or find places where you can allow him to play off leash with other dogs etc.
At home, when you give him a new gnaw bone, hide it under a rug or behind a furniture and let him work a little to find it, before he can gnaw on it. Or hide a toy, so that he has to find it, for you to be able to play with him and the toy...

If you have a Kong, fill it with something edible, put it in the freezer and give it to him frozen. Some Kong stuffing "recipes" :
Carrot purée or yoghurt (natural or perhaps Greek), sometimes maybe mixed with liver pâté, meat broth, pieces of meat. Put one or more dog biscuits in it and fill out the gaps with pieces of processed cheese (Cheddar, Edam or Swiss cheese) or peanut butter. If you get any leftover cooked potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots or eggs, mash them (possibly add some marmite to make it more sticky) and fill the Kong, with or without adding any flavour.
More Kong stuffing "recipes" can be found here http://www.kongcompany.com/worlds_best.h… and through internet searches. Some dog trainers that I've found in Austin, Texas, that I would check up on, if I was looking for a trainer in your area :

http://www.buddyschance.com/GroupDogTrai…
http://www.taurusdogtraining.com/service…
http://www.lmccb.com/classes/index.htm
http://www.nicelytraineddog.com/service_…
http://trainmydogs.com/services.cfm
http://www.caninehilton.com/dogtraining.…


I recommend that you don't only look at their price when you're choosing trainer, because paying less is certainly no guarantee for that they offer just as good services, but on the other hand, to pay more is no guarantee for that they offer better quality either. So don't forget to look at what they really offer, what education their trainers have etc. If you want to find more dog trainers in your area, try searching for "Dog trainers in Austin, Texas", using Google maps http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=… .

Dog Training Tips

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training..barking and jumping?

I have 3 dogs...8 yr old d lab/retriever mix...7 yr old lab/shepherd mix and a lab that is 1.5 yrs old. Here is my problem. When ppl come to the house they all rush the door...barking non stop. We have to hold them back. It is annoying and embarrassing. I have tried working with them with treats to sit and stay with my husband knocking on the door. 2 of the 3 dogs will focus on me and the treat the other one just starts barking immediately...the older one. Because she does this the other 2 will lose focus while I am trying to calm her and make her sit.

Any other suggestions...I do not agree with any physical aggression in training at all.

Dog Training Fundamentals

Recommended Answer:
Maybe try and work with each one separately. I alway use praise when they do what they are told, not treats. Take one out in the yard and teach him to heal. (Sit at your left side and stay until you tell him ok). Use a leash to train with. Pull up with the leash and push down on his behind until he sits. Keep repeating Sit. They key is repetition with each dog and then with two dogs and then three. It may take a little longer with 3 dogs, but you can do it. Just be patient. Good Luck!

Electronic Dog Training Collar

• You need to be the pack leader, but it sounds like the older dog has that role. Also when you say you're trying to calm the older dog depending on exactly what you're doing you may just be reinforcing the bad habit.
  
  I would find a good local trainer and work with them to resolve this, keep in mind that for some dogs to learn a new skill or release a bad habit it can require doing it with them up to 200 times before they really "get it".
  
  


• You can try having all 3 dogs on a leash so that when your guest comes thru the door you have a reliable way to pull the dogs back and to calm them down before letting them in


• Misbehaving dogs can be embarrassing and annoying at times, and dog training may cost alot of money and time especially when u have more than one dog.
  try visiting
  http://rasjoe.bezoogle.com/pp/dog-training/
  
  its a dog training review site of various dog training programs for a very low price.
  All the best.

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Dog Health Questions: Good Dog Training Books?

My wife and I will be getting a German Shepard puppy soon, and was wondering if anyone had read any good training books for this breed, or just in dogs general?

We've both had numerous dogs, but never really tried to train them beyond the basics.

Secrets to Dog Training to Stop Your Dog's Behavior Problems

Recommended Answer:
I have found Cesar Millan's "Cesar's Way" and Tamar Geller's "The Loved Dog" to be great resources that balance one another. Although I do not have a GSD (though everyone thinks my pup is a GSD mix (even though he doesn't have the coat, paws, or size)), I've also found Ed Frawley's website VERY helpful: http://leerburg.com/

Nothing, however, has made more difference than finding a good local trainer. Our trainer has done a great deal for our dog... primarily by training ME...

As with anything, what works best for you, your family, and your dog will likely be a matter of "copy & paste" from a number of diverse sources. Be careful not to take any single trainer's or dog expert's two-cents as gospel. You (and your dog) would likely be unbalanced... and an unbalanced person (or dog) is not really a happy person (or dog).

Things to Consider Before You Go For a Dog Training Career

• Cesar Milan's books and videos are great for training:
  http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/


• Cesar's Way by Cesar Milan!
  I'm reading it right now, but it's been really helpful
  It tells you the most effective ways to get dogs to respond to you
  WITHOUT abusing them
  (:


• I like "Good Owners, Great Dogs", by Kilcommon and Wilson.


• Not nessacarily about dog training, but definitely a good dog behavior book. Explains many situations from the dogs point of view. Bones would Rain From The Sky: Deepening Our Relationship With Dogs by suzanne Clothier.
  www.flyingdogpress.com (read the free articles, although the site now required signing up for free account)


• Try to enroll in a puppy socialization class, and then dog obedience its a great way for you and your dog to be active. Most groups have doggy day outs. Training my GSD was the best thing I have ever did, it was a great time for myself and my dog, they are quick to learn, and make great family pets.


• hope you find what you're looking for.
  Try this link...great title


• 21 Days to a Trained Dog, by Dick Maller, Simon & Schuster, October 1979, Paperback, ISBN: 0671251937
  
  25 Stupid Mistakes Dog Owners Make, by Janine Adams, McGraw Hill - NTC, November 2000, Paperback, ISBN: 0737304901
  
  101 Essential Tips: Training Your Dog, by Bruce Fogle, Dorling- Kindersley, May 1997, Paperback ISBN: 0789414600
  
  101 Training Tips for Your Dog, by Kate Delano-Condax Decker, Dell Books, November 1994, Paperback, ISBN: 0440505682
  
  All Dogs Need Some Training, by Liz Palika, MacMillan General Reference, August 1997, Paperback, ISBN: 0876054076
  
  American Kennel Club Dog Care and Training, by American Kennel Club, Howell Book House, August 1991, Paperback, ISBN: 087605405X A Classic! The Art of Raising a Puppy, by the Monks of New Skete, Little Brown & Company, March 1991, Hardcover, ISBN: 0316578398
  
  ASPCA Complete Dog Training Manual, by Bruce Fogle, Dorling- Kindersley, April 1,1994, Hardcover ISBN: 1564584879
  
  Basic Dog Training, by Miller Watson, Tfh Pubns, November 1,1990, 2nd Edition, School & Library Binding, ISBN: 0866227857
  
  Becoming Your Dog's Best Friend : How to Earn Your Dog's Love, by Martin J. Becker, Published by Tfh Pubns, October 1,1994, Paperback
  ISBN: 0793800870
  
  Beyond Basic Dog Training, by Diane L. Bauman, Howell Book House, October 1,1991, Hardcover, 257 pages, ISBN: 0876054106
  
  Canine Good Citizen : Every Dog Can Be One, by Joachim Volhard, Wendy Volhard, Melissa Bartlett (Illustrator), Hungry Minds, Inc., July 1997
  ISBN: 0876054521
  
  Civilizing Your Puppy, by Barbara J. Wrede, Published by Barrons Educational Series, February 1, 1997 2nd Edition, Paperback, 120 pages
  ISBN: 0812097874
  
  Complete Handbook of Dog Training, by Thomas A. Knott, Dolores Oden Cooper, Howell Book House, February 1994, Hardcover,
  ISBN: 0876055552
  
  Crazy Dogs & Crazy People : Looking at Behavior in Our Society, By C.W. Meisterfeld, Ernest Pecci, Mrk Pub, October 1992, Hardcover, ISBN: 0960129278
  
  The Dog Listener: A Noted Expert Tells You How to Communicate with Your Dog for Willing Cooperation, by Jan Fennell, Harper Resource, July 2001, ISBN: 0060199539
  
  Dog Logic : Companion Obedience : Rapport-Based Training
  by Joel M. McMains, Published by Howell Book House, October 1992, Hardcover, ISBN: 0876055102
  
  Dogperfect: The User Friendly Guide to a Well Behaved Dog,
  by Sarah Hodgson, Hungry Minds, Inc., December 1995, ISBN: 087605534X


• Cesars Way by Cesar Millan is a great training book for getting the right behaviors out of your dogs and making sure you start your dog off right. 101 dog tricks is a great tricks training book.


• How dogs learn - by Burch and Baily
  Don't shoot the dog - by Karen Pryor
  Clicker training for dogs - by Karen Pryor
  Excel-erated learning - by Pamela Reid


• I've got a number of resources for you.
  1. Look at Patricia McConnell. She used to have a pet show on Wisconsin public radio, her website is at: http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/
  She has a number of outstanding books including: The Other Side of the Leash, and Family Friendly Dog Training. She has a PhD, a lot of practical experience and emphasizes positive training methods. The Other Side of the Leash is regarded as a classic in terms of explaining how so many people go wrong with their dogs, how dogs perceive things, what works and doesn't work with them.
  
  2. Look at Karen Pryor. Done tremendous research into operant conditioning (application of BF Skinner's work to animals). Her best book (which explains a lot of the concepts of operant conditioning to humans and animals but is short on technical training stuff) is "Don't Shoot the Dog!". Her website is www.clickertraining.com and is a wealth of information on operant conditioning and all animals (but especially dogs). Stuff like: using a clicker to deal with nuisance bargaining, teaching your dog not to jump up on people, and clicker technique and timing. You'll find "Don't Shoot the Dog" to be useful just for dealing with co-workers and your spouse, let alone your dog!
  
  3. Look at Jean Donaldson. Her website is: www.jeandonaldson.com and she's got a couple of books that are highly regarded: Culture Clash and Oh Behave are probably the two with the most application to your situation.
  
  There are also some terrific websites available. I'd start by looking at Shirley Chong's (www.shirleychong.com) and do her six lessons for training a dog, her section on recalls and also behavior shaping. Do those things and you'll have a phenomenally trained and responsive puppy (and it's all free too!). The bit about behavior shaping is how skilled trainers get dogs to do amazing things. Go to www.silvia.trkman.net and watch her tricks videos and be amazed. That's what behavior shaping allows you to do--just mind blowing stuff. And the dog enjoys all of it as well. Silvia Trkman, btw, is a world-class agility competitor.
  
  Now, let me react to a couple of suggestions your'e likely to get a lot of support for:
  1. Monks of New Skete. On it's face, it's a great recommendation. The book (and videos) have been around for decades and they breed GSDs. But they use more old-school approaches with physical corrections, alpha rolls (which they've now publicly repudiated) and their assumption is that what we know about wolves (and packs) applies equally as well to dogs. And research the past 2 decades shows that many of our assumptions about alpha status based on wolf packs is just wrong when it comes to dogs.
  
  2. Cesar Millan. He's got a lot of fans and he sells a lot of books. Some elements of his message I completely agree with: give your dog a workout, your dog isn't a human, every dog needs a job. But Millan is wrong--dead wrong--on a lot of things. He uses alpha rolls and that's a terrible idea for probably 95% of all dogs. His assumptions about packs and alpha status have been disproven by research and study of wild dogs as well as domesticated dogs. Finally, he's guilty of doing exactly what he says we shouldn't do--treating dogs like people. His assumption that the vast majority of problems with dogs comes down to alpha status is to regard the dog as a human (if a child or teen or adult defied you, it would be a test of your authority). But that's not it with a dog. Unlike most other creatures (including humans, wolves and cats), dogs are happiest when they submit and when they have our approval. Millan's belief that most dog issues are due to alpha status problems is dead wrong. That's in my experience, that of all the other trainers and experienced handlers I know. It's dead wrong in the experience and research of people like Pryor and McConnell and Nicholas Dodman--all have PhDs , have written extensively. To put it another way, Millan is using a basically old style approach to training dogs that relies on physical correction. That approach ignores all of the work done in operant conditioning over the past 60 years and the advances in animal training (the US Navy training dolphins to spot mines, tricks trainers in Hollywood, Seaworld trainers working with killer whales, every topnotch canine agility trainer I know of). A "positive" approach with dogs (ie: operant conditioning) is faster and more effective way of producing results.

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training, confused Lab?

Well, A Week Before we moved we had this Lab show up at our doorstep.
We Spent That Week Looking for Her owner, But No Luck. when We Moved We Couldn't Leave Her Alone So We Packed her Up And brought Her Along and Are In The Process Of Spoiling Her (In a good way)
Now heres were the problem comes in..sorta..
When She showed up apparently she had known the command sit.
Well im going trough agility and tricks training with her.
Every-time I Try To Teach her A trick, I can Spend 2 Days Trying To Teach her The command Limp. (holding her paw and pulling her gently forward until she 'hops' on 3 legs like a limp, giving her the command and then rewarding her.) This has worked on other dogs but with her when i go to give her the command with out showing her I get her to walk then say limp and she sits, she thinks every command means fr her to sit.
Is she confused, maybe from a rough past? Im not sure..shes a labrador..any advice? (Oh yeah her rewards are little pea sized hot dog bits. and a verbal praise and pat on the head=] )

Dog Training - A Fun Activity

Recommended Answer:
I think that it's not so much that she thinks all commands mean "sit", as much as when she doesn't understand what to do, she sits down, thinking that's a good thing. It probably stemmed from you praising her a lot when she initially showed up on your doorstep and you asked her to sit and she did.

Now, when you are teaching her a different command, if she sits, just say "No", and repeat the name of the command and show her again what to do. When she does what you want, say "Good command name" (e.g., "Good Limp"). I have found that following "Good" with the command name works really well, rather than just saying "Good girl" each time.

By the way, awesome job in adopting this lab who showed up on your doorstep. Taking her into your home and heart was really a wonderful thing!

Take care, and all the best.

Dog Training And Electronic Shock Collars

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Dog Health Questions: Dog training advice please?

My puppy is 1 year old. She has not had any training. she is a chocolate lab. i took her to a parade and it was HORRIBLE! she barked and every dog and would try to run after them. how am i suppose to react when she does this? do i give her a negative NO! or do i try to console her to let her know everything is fine? do i distract her? our neighbors got a dog and this morning she was barking at him through the fence. when i socialize her with other dogs and she acts this way....how do i react?????

Old Fashioned Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Take her outside on a leash when the neighbors dog is out. When she sees him and starts to go for it STOP, stand your ground, don't allow her to move toward it and tell her STAY. A prong collar will help with this, but don't let her pull against it. When she starts the first move toward the other dog give her "STAY" and a solid snap on the leash so the collar 'bites' her. If she does not comply, take hold of the flat collar and lead her away from the other dog say "THIS WAY." After a few (dozen or so) bites from the collar and seeing she won't get toward the other dog she will learn to stand and look. Once she learns to stand, the barking will ease up because you've stopped the excitement of getting to the other dog.
I practice "STAY," "HUSH" every time a dog walks past the house.

Dog Training School

• show the dog what right, say no ! bad dog. and point ur finger at him, so she knows who your talking to. when a labadors a puppy thats its best time in life to learn whats right and wrong so when it becomes a older dog, she will get into the habbit of being a good dog sense she learned how to sense a little doggy.
  it s a breezy day outside for the perfect exercise walk with your dog( for atleast 15 minutes is good for the dog to exercise) and sometimes its nice to give the dog a nice little treat for its well training and exercise for the day . because you cant always say no to a little dogs eyes. :)


• Keep her on a leash at all times with other dogs around, and when you see one about to approach, distract her with a treat, and once the dog has passed give her the treat. However if she does react still, move her across the street. You'll need a lot of persistence and patience for this, but it will pay off.


• The best thing would be an obedience class.

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Dog Health Questions: What Dog Training/Competitions can a Goldendoodle be entered in?

I was told that UKC Obedience is the only one that Goldendoodle's can enter in. However, I don't see that breed as a choice on their website!

Search And Rescue Dog Training Advice

Recommended Answer:
There are agility, flyball and the like competitive events that are open to mixed breed dogs.

Dog Training And Electronic Shock Collars

• i'm not sure about showing if thats what you're looking for, but I know there are several agility competitions that any dog of any breed can join. one might be through AKC, but I'm not 100%.


• In order to enter in UKC or AKC events the dog MUST be a purebred. Golden Poodle mixes are NOT nor will they ever be purebred.


• That would be because you don't have a breed, you have a mutt.
  
  Any competition usually has a mutt section, divided by weight/size.


• I believe that ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America) opens its obedience trials to mixed breeds.
  
  There are also AMBOR (American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry) obedience trials:
  http://www.ambor.us/
  
  Mixes are also allowed in NADAC agility trials:
  http://www.nadac.com/


• That's because a Goldendoodle isn't purebred. It can be registered as an Ambor (American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry) and I think the fee is around $25-$35.
  
  I know the UKC has a website and I'm pretty sure the American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (or Register) has one also. Try googling for more information.


• You are partly correct. The United Kennel Club and Australian Shepherd Club of America, welcomes mixbreeds in their agility and obedience programs.
  
  The reason your not seeing your "breed" is because Goldendoodles are not a breed, they are a mixbreed. So in UKC, your dog will be listed as an AMBOR (American Mix Breed Obedience Registry), which is the Parent Club for mixbreed dogs.
  
  With the UKC, you will need to send proof of spay/neuter in order to get your Mix an ILP # to compete in Obedience, Agility, Rally Obedience, Weight Pull or Dock Diving.
  
  With Australian Shepherd Club of Ameirca, they only register Aussies, but they do give Non-Aussies, including Mixbreeds a tracking number so you can enter the performance events: obedience, agility and tracking. With ASCA also, you dog will be listed as a MixBreed, not as a oodlesomething.
  
  AMBOR (American Mix Breed Obedience Registry) as I mentioned, is the Parent Club for Mixbreeds. They require that all dogs registered with them are spayed and neutered. They track your qualifying scores in the various venues that are open to mixbreeds and give out yearly awards for Top Ten.
  
  For agility, the venues that are open to mixbreeds are: United States Dog Agility (USDAA), NADAC, CPE, DOCNA. Since these are not breed registries, but agility registries, you can call your dog whatever you want.
  
  Lastly, for Rally Obedience, there APDT (Associate of Pet Dog Trainers), where you will also need to show proof of spay/neuter to register the dog. There's also UKC for Rally obedience.
  
  edit: Zuzia..you don't have a clue of what your talking about. You obviously have never been to a show or seen how these dogs are trained.
  
  My old beagle mix (who is passed on) used to smile when she was running. When she did obedience, her tail went a mile a minute, she absolutely loved working and was heartbroken when she had to retire.
  
  I currently train dachshunds, my boy has a wonderful work ethic, he loves agility. How do I know? By his body language, by the fact that he barks at me until it's our turn. Training has been nothing but a positive experience for him and highly rewarded with very tasty treats and his squeeky ball, so thus, he loves to learn.


• wrydachsie has some great info, so I won't repeat it :) except to say that you can register your mix with the UKC and participate in a lot more than traditional obedience. Take a look:
  http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/WebPa…


• I would not send you dog into competitions this is not a good life for a dog

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Dog Health Questions: Does anybody know what are the basic questions one is given for a dog training interview?

It's for PetSmart,I'm going to apply to be a dog trainer so I figured you guys could help. Thanks!

Dog Training - Why and How to Train Dogs

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I would figure they would ask you about your dog training experience and why you feel you are qualified.

Dog Training Part I

• Have you ever trained a dog before?
  
  I would assume that a *good* interview would consist of questions about how you would handler certain training situations, as well as how long you've trained, what methods you use, how many dogs you've trained, etc.
  
  But, seeing what I've seen going on in the training classes at Petsmart, I'm not impressed with their methods at all!


• Petsmart basically wants a blank slate to work with. They want you to teach their methods and nothing else. They definitely don't want an experienced handler/trainer going against their methods.
  I bet if you ask the trainers if they have any titles on their dogs, most will say no. If they did, they would be training obedience not "manners".

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Dog Health Questions: What kind of collar does the Don Sullivan dog training technique use? Does this training method work?

I watched the infomercial and am considering purchasing the training DVD's and collar but want to make sure this works.

Dog Training Basics: 3 Golden Rules

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I have yet to see ANYTHING on an infomercial that works. I personally used a shock collar to train my 4 Rotties and if used properly and NOT ABUSED some people do because they are idiots, it works just fine. And works on the same concept. When a pup does wrong what does the mom do.....nips the pup on the neck. What does Cesar Millan do....acts like a mother biting on the neck. So the shock collar acts the same way, except with the bonus of it being surprised. The dog won't know it is coming so they tend to learn quicker not knowing it is coming. It is all a matter of timing no matter what training aid you use. If corrected at the right time, they would all work the same anyway. Most everything is just a gimmick anyway. Or a fancier version of something already on the market. All the Don Sullivan program is going to tell you is correct your dog at this moment, that moment, at this time...etc etc. So why spend the money on something that is common sense??? Correction is timing. plain and simple.

Rescue Dog Training

• The "Command Collar" link 1 bears a striking resemblance to a martingale collar Link 2. The circle can be either of chain or nylon.
  I prefer these collars for training as they are much more humane than choke chains or prong collars.
  I cannot say anything about his methods. I am unfamilier with him. Generally any training that uses positive renforcement gets my seal of approval (for what it's worth)

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Dog Health Questions: Dog Training?

I just inrolled in PetSmart Basic training and I wanted to know if there was any way I could prepare my dog for his classes to impress the teacher.

Successful Dog Training Tricks

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I have my puppy in the PetSmart puppy class and I have loved it. We only have 2 weeks left and my little guy has learned so much already. I think the quality of the training depends on the trainer and we have a great one. Yes, we first teach everything with a treat, but only for one week. By the next week, the puppy should obey without food. Mine does. Our trainer is very strict about stopping the treats. The best thing is that they teach you how to teach your dog. If you send your dog off to be trained, he/she might listen great to the person who trained it, but not to you.

I wouldn't worry about prepping your dog before class. If it's the first level of class, they won't expect your dog to be able to do anything yet. I think it's good to start with a clean slate.

The socialization with other puppies has been great, too.

Dog Training - How NOT To Train Your Dog

• I would work extra with him/her @ home. I would like to know how that works with Petsmart training. I was thinking about putting my dog in there classes.


• Be careful with the Petsmart training programs. They are food-motivated, which means that if you don't have a treat in your hand, your dog most likely won't listen to you. I enrolled two of my dobermans in the training and completed the program with both, but I was not satisfied with the results. I recently sent both my puppies to a training camp which was very expensive, but well worth it. You could also try looking for a facility that focuses completely on dog training, not a pet store. Good luck.


• Here's something you can start with!
  http://dogobediencetraining123.com/course

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